the Executive Board 1

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1 ILGA Executive Board Proposed Amendments to the ILGA Constitution and Standing Orders 7 January 2019 Proposal Number Current Constitution text Proposed amendment/s by the Executive Board 1 Description / Notes C1 PREAMBLE CO1 C1.1 Recognising the fundamental pride that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, trans people and intersex people (LGBTI) have in their gender identity and expression, sexual orientation and bodily diversity. C1.1 Recognising the fundamental pride that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, trans people and intersex people (LGBTI) have in their gender identity and expression, sexual orientation and sex characteristics. In the Constitution, Section C1.1, change bodily diversity to sex characteristics. CO2 If proposal CO1 to change C1.1 is approved, then change all instances of bodily diversity in the Constitution and Standing Orders to sex characteristics. CO3 C1.2 Conscious that social and legal discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and intersex, is pervasive and that effective work against oppression calls for international solidarity C1.2 Conscious that social and legal discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, is pervasive and that effective In the Constitution, Section C1.2, change intersex to sex characteristics. 1 Note: Proposed changed text is in bold and highlighted in yellow

2 work against oppression calls for international solidarity CO4 C1.7 We approve this document as the Constitution of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. C1.7 We approve this document as the Constitution of ILGA World. In the Constitution, Section C1.7 change the full name to ILGA World. The Board discussed this proposal thoroughly and agree to propose a change in the official name of ILGA. The Board believes this is also a great opportunity to make this change as we mark ILGA s 40 years. This is already happening in practice with members, donors, partners and the media using ILGA World to distinguish ILGA from the ILGA regions. The change will also highlight the global/international nature of ILGA, and its work with members in all regions. CO5 If proposal CO4 to change C1.7 is approved, then change all instances of ILGA in the Constitution and Standing Orders to ILGA World. C2 CONSTITUTION CO6 C2.1 The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) is an international nonprofit organisation in conformity with art. 60 in accordance with Swiss Civil Code and with this Constitution and covers the C2.1 ILGA World is the International Association for People and Associations of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender In the Constitution, Section 2.1, change the descriptive name of ILGA. In line with the previous proposal 1, the Board proposes changing the descriptive name of ILGA, by making reference to People and 2

3 activities of ILGA. The association is incorporated for an unspecified period. expressions and sex characteristics. ILGA World is an international nonprofit organisation in conformity with art. 60 in accordance with Swiss Civil Code and with this Constitution and covers the activities of ILGA. The association is incorporated for an unspecified period. Associations which affirm ILGA as a membership-based organisation. In order to reflect and represent the diversity of gender identities and gender expressions, sexual orientations and bodily diversity across all regions and around the world, the Board is proposing to have this reflected in the descriptive name of ILGA. CO7 C2.3 The working languages of ILGA are English and Spanish. C2.3 The current working languages of ILGA are English and Spanish. ILGA World is inclusive of all people and will strive to provide communication in other languages where possible. In the Constitution, Section 2.3, add a reference and commitment to linguistic equity and inclusivity. The ILGA Board understands that language acts as a barrier to many. The Board also understand that simply adding languages requires time and resources that impact ILGA as an organisation. This proposal is a commitment to make ILGA more linguistically accessible. C4 MEMBERSHIP CO8 C4.2 Membership in ILGA is divided into two categories: Full members and Associate members. Full members are: non-profit organisations Delete Individuals wishing to associate to ILGA may become a Friend of ILGA. In the Constitution, Section 4.2 delete the sentence referring to Friend of ILGA. In ILGA, members with voting rights are organisations. Individuals do not have voting rights and/or other membership benefits. This 3

4 representing lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans people or intersex people, their culture or providing exclusive service to or support for them; branches of the above-mentioned organisations; non-profit groups representing lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans people or intersex people within other organisations such as trade unions and political parties. category has not been utilised in years, and individuals who wish to support ILGA have other means to support ILGA directly (for example, through our website). Associated members are: other organisations of public law, such as cities, regions, political parties or trade unions, etc., or of private law. Individuals wishing to associate to ILGA may become a Friend of ILGA. CO9 If proposal CO8 to change C4.2 is approved, then delete all reference to Friend of ILGA in the Constitution and Standing Orders to ILGA World. CO10 C4.3 Application: An applicant for any category of membership of ILGA or for friends of ILGA must submit an application to the registered office of ILGA and affirm agreement with the aims and objectives of ILGA. C4.3 Application: An applicant for any category of membership of ILGA or for friends of ILGA must submit an online application to ILGA and affirm agreement with the aims and objectives of ILGA. In the Constitution, Section 4.3 change must submit an application to the registered office of ILGA to must submit an online application to ILGA 4

5 C5 REGIONAL STRUCTURES CO11 C5.1 The regions of ILGA are Africa, Oceania (Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia and Pacific Islands), Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and North America. C5.1 The regions of ILGA are Africa, Oceania (Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia and Islands in the Pacific Ocean), Asia, Europe (Europe and Central Asia), Latin America and the Caribbean (Spanish-speaking and French-speaking) and North America (US, Canada and English-speaking Caribbean). In the Constitution, Section 5.1, Change Pacific Island to Islands in the Pacific Ocean Add Europe and Central Asia to Europe Add Spanish-speaking and French- Speaking to Latin America and the Caribbean Add US, Canada and Englishspeaking Caribbean to North America This is not the first time that the ILGA Board discussed and proposed amendments to this section. The Board acknowledges that the discussion on regions is an ongoing one and is done in consultation with members and regional boards. This proposal is a result of feedback received from members and regions. The Board also understands that each region may have its own process to discuss and deal with this matter (for example as it happened with ILGA-Europe where the decision to add Central Asia was done on a regional level), and that each region may require more time and consultations. The main rationale behind this amendment is to ensure that the ILGA regional structure remains relevant to its members. 5

6 CO12 C6 C6 STEERING COMMITTEES In the Constitution, Section 6, add Steering Committees as a sub-heading of the Section C6.1 WOMEN S COMMITTEE CO13 C6.1.1 The World Conference shall elect a person identifying as a woman to chair the Women s Committee and also be a member of the World Board. C6.1.1 The World Conference shall elect a person coming from a member organisation and identifying as a woman to chair the Women s Committee and also be a member of the World Board. In the Constitution, Section 6.1.1, add coming from a member organisation and CO14 If proposal CO13 is approved, apply this change to all Steering Committees. CO15 C6.1.3 a) Collect and co-ordinate information/visibility worldwide on lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersex women, in close co-operation with the Executive Board; C6.3 INTERSEX COMMITTEE C6.1.3 a) Collect and coordinate information/visibility worldwide on women s issues, in close co-operation with the Executive Board; In the Constitution, Section (a), replace lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersex women with women s issues. C16 C6.3.2 Each regional board shall appoint a person identifying as Intersex to sit on the Intersex Committee C6.3.2 Each regional board shall appoint an intersex person to sit on the Intersex Committee In the Constitution, Section 6.3.2, replace identifying as intersex to an intersex person The Board recognises that intersex refers to the sex characteristics of a person. 6

7 C7 THE WORLD CONFERENCE CO17 C7.6 m) Election of the Chairs of the Steering Committees C7.6 m) Election of the Chairs of the Steering Committees and their Alternates. In the Constitution, Section 7.6 (m), add and their alternates. CO18 C7.9 Associate and individual members are entitled to attend World Conferences and speak in all workshops and plenary sessions. The Executive Board can permit others to attend and participate in any World Conference or a part of it. C8 THE EXECUTIVE BOARD In the Constitution, delete Section C7.9 and renumber remaining of the section. ILGA World Conferences are open to members and non-members. While recognising that there are plenaries and workshops reserved to members only during the Conference, the ILGA Board believes this section is no longer valid. CO19 C8.11 The term of office of the Secretaries-General and the Chairs of the Steering Committees shall be from the end of the World Conference at which they are elected until the end of the next World Conference. They may be re-elected. The term of office of the regional members shall be specified by the appropriate regional structures. C8.11 The term of office of the Secretaries-General and the Chairs of the Steering Committees shall be from the end of the World Conference at which they are elected until the end of the next World Conference. They may run for a maximum of two consecutive terms. The term of office of the regional members shall be specified by the appropriate In the Constitution, Section 8.11, replace the sentence They may be re-elected to They may run for a maximum of two consecutive terms. This proposal is based on the principles of equity within and sustainability of the organisation. 7

8 regional structures. CO20 In the Constitution, section 8, add new number 8.15 with the following text: The Executive Board members shall receive an appropriate annual honorarium as a recognition of their commitment, work and time to ILGA. The ILGA Board discussed the introduction of honoraria to Board members. The Board also ensured that this proposal is in line with any Swiss legal requirements on the provision of honoraria to Board members. Board members are activists coming from member organisations who very often have to take time off from work and be away from their families to meet the needs of being an ILGA Board member. Very often, this time results in loss of income. This proposal establishes the principle of providing honoraria to Board members. Proposal Number Current Standing Orders text Proposed amendment/s by the Executive Board Description / Notes SO1 GENERAL ST1 SO1.2 The World Conference shall meet at least every second year. SO1.2 The World Conference shall meet at least every three years. In the Standing Orders, Section 1.2 replace every second year to every three years The Board discussed at length the frequency of the ILGA World Conferences. Currently, the requirement is to have the conference at least every second year. The 8

9 Board is proposing that the World Conference shall meet at least every 3 years. The Board acknowledges that this change will also change/affect the length of terms of the Co-Secretaries General and the Chairs of the Steering Committees. For many years, the ILGA World Conference served as the place for regions to hold their regional caucuses/meetings. However, over the past years, ILGA regions have grown and each region (except for ILGA-North America) hold their respective regional conferences on a regular basis. Moreover, ILGA organises or supports the organisation of other spaces where members convene. Interest and participation at the ILGA World Conferences have also grown, putting more pressure on ILGA s operations every other year. ILGA s programmatic work is interrupted every other year due to the organisation s limited capacity, where all staff members need to be engaged with the organisation of the Conference. The Board believes that extending the gap between conferences to 3 years will not only allow ILGA to mobilise more funding 9

10 resources for the conference (including scholarships), but also ensure the sustainability of its programmatic work. ST2 SO2 PRE-CONFERENCE PROCEDURE SO2 PROCEDURES BEFORE CONFERENCE In Standing Orders, Section 2, rephrase heading to avoid confusion with preconference sessions. SO3 CHAIRING POOL ST3 SO3.2 The Chairing Pool will consist of a minimum of 6 people, and at least 50% of its members shall be women. All members of the chairing pool shall be from full member organisations. The chairing pool will include one person from the host organisation. SO3.2 The Chairing Pool will consist of a minimum of 6 people, including 2 election officers. At least two members of the Chairing Pool should be women. All members of the Chairing Pool shall be from full member organisations. The Chairing Pool will include one person from the host organisation. In the Standing Orders, Section 3.2, replace and at least 50% of its members shall be women to including 2 elections officers. At least two members of the Chairing Pool should be women. SO4 WORKSHOPS AND CAUCUSES ST5 SO4.2 Apart from the general workshop there are two other types of workshop: the experiential workshop and the information workshop. All these workshops may produce a report to be entered into the conference report. There are also caucuses. SO4.2 Apart from the general workshop there are also other workshops at the conference, which can take several forms. All these workshops may produce a report to be entered into the conference report. There are also caucuses. In the Standing Orders, Section 4.2, change there are two other types of workshop: the experiential workshop and the information workshop to there are also other workshops at the conference, which can take several forms. 10

11 ST6 ST7 SO4.6 Experiential and Information Workshops Renumber section 4 of the Standing Orders. If Proposal 6 is approved, delete Section 4.6 (Experiential and Information Workshops) In the Standing Orders, renumber Section 4.5 (General Workshops) to become Section 4.3 Renumber remaining points under Section 4. ST8 SO4.7 Caucus Meetings SO 4.7 Caucus Meetings and Pre-Conferences In the Standing Orders, Section 4.7 add and pre-conferences to the sub-heading. SO5 PROXY VOTES ST9 SO5.4 A Steering Committee may exercise up to ten (10) proxy votes. SO 5.4 The Chairs of the Steering Committees may exercise up to ten (10) proxy votes. In the Standing Orders, Section 5.4, change A Steering Committee to The Chairs of the Steering Committees. ST10 SO 5.5 A Steering Committee may nominate individuals to exercise those proxy votes nominated to it, provided the member organisation has agreed to this in advance in writing. SO5.5 Chairs of the Steering Committees may delegate proxy votes to any of their members, provided the member organisation giving the proxy vote has agreed to this in advance in writing. In the Standing Orders, Section 5.5, Change A Steering Committee to Chairs of the Steering Committees Change may nominated individuals to exercise those proxy votes nominated to it to may delegate proxy votes to any of their members Add giving the proxy vote SO6 VOTING ST11 SO6.1 Decisions of the conference are made only by the conference in plenary SO6.1 The plenary session votes on the In the Standing Orders, Section 6.1, change the sentence to The plenary session votes 11

12 session. recommendations from the General Workshops. on the recommendations from the General Workshops. ST12 SO6.5 Four (4) counters will be nominated by the Chairing Pool from amongst delegates of full members and agreed by the plenary. Counters will not be members of the Executive Board or the Chairing Pool. SO6.5 At least four (4) counters will be nominated by the Chairing Pool from amongst delegates of full members and agreed by the plenary. Counters will not be members of the Executive Board or the Chairing Pool In the Standing Orders, Section 6.5, add at least. ST13 SO6.7 Member organisations who vote against a decision made at a conference may have their opposition noted in the minutes. SO6.7 - Member organisations who vote against a decision made at a conference may have their opposition noted in the minutes, by immediately notifying the note taker. In the Standing Orders, Section 6.7, add by immediately notifying the minutetaker. SO7 ELECTIONS ST14 SO7.2 The Chairing Pool will appoint two (2) Election Officers to organise the elections. This includes a timetable for nomination and presentation of candidates, issuing one ballot paper per voting card, collecting and counting votes. SO7.2 Two (2) members of the Chairing Pool will serve as Election Officers to organise the elections. This includes a timetable for nomination and presentation of candidates, issuing one ballot paper per voting card, collecting and counting votes In the Standing Orders, Section 7.2, change The Chairing Pool will appoint two Election Officers to Two members of the Chairing Pool will serve as Election Officers. 12